Daniel Pugh

NCAA roundup: WKU, UofL win; UK loses; Murray St., EKU, Morehead St. teams swept in double-headers

College Baseball

Stewart Ijames and Ryan Wright look on from the UofL dugout; BluGrass Baseball photo

Stats and recaps from Saturday Kentucky college baseball:

  • Western Kentucky University used a seven-run seventh inning to rally for an 8-5 win over Louisiana-Monroe in game two of a three-game series. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned his seventh win of the season after surrendering four runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking four. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-5 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 2-4 with one double and two runs scored. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen, the Hilltoppers’ usual Sunday starter, recorded the final four outs of the game for his first save. (Box Score)
  • Two different University of Louisville batters slugged grand slams in an 11-3 win over Georgetown in game two of a three-game series. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung improved to 8-0 on the season after surrendering three runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 3-5 with one home run, five RBI and one run scored. Junior infielder Ryan Wright slugged a grand slam, drove in five runs and scored twice. Sophomore left fielder Kyle Grieshaber was 2-2 with one walk and three runs scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky continued its downward slide in Southeastern Conference play with an 8-4 loss to LSU, that completed the three-game sweep by the Tigers. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering five runs on four hits in three and two-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Redshirt senior right fielder Neiko Johnson was 3-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore catcher Luke Maile was 2-4 with two RBI. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University could not finish a late rally in a 5-4 loss to Southeast Missouri in game one of a double-header. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering four runs on nine hits in eight innings while striking out six batters and walking four. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored and was the only Murray St. batter with multiple hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Southeast Missouri scored 11 runs in the fourth inning in game two of the double-header to send Murray St. to a 17-7 loss. Senior right-handed pitcher Jake Donze took the loss after surrendering six runs on six hits in two and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored, and freshman left fielder Ty Stetson was 1-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University tallied 10 hits but still dropped a 10-3 decision in game one of a double-header versus Tennessee Tech. Senior right-handed pitcher Chris Hord took the loss in his first start of the season after surrendering five runs on five hits in three innings while striking out one batter and walking four. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez each had two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header EKU never overcame a five-run first inning by Tennessee Tech in a 10-4 loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering five runs on three hits in one inning. No EKU batter tallied multiple hits in the game, but Soloman and junior right fielder Michael Garcia each slugged home runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Daviess County High School alum Jeremy Dobbs earned his eighth win of the season for Austin Peay in a 7-3 win over Morehead State University. Dobbs improved to 8-2 on the season after surrendering three runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking six. Morehead St. junior designated hitter Eric Bainer was 2-5 with one run scored. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs on 12 hits in four and two-third innings. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Morehead St. blew a 9-0 lead after three innings in a 12-10 loss to Austin Peay. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in two innings. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 3-4 with one RBI, two runs scored and two walks, and senior first baseman Michael Fear was 2-5 with four RBI. Senior left fielder Daniel Pugh was 3-4 with three runs scored. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: RF Stewart Ijames (UofL)
  • Stats: 3-5, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Kyle Grieshaber (UofL), Ryan Wright (UofL), Neiko Johnson (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)
  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co. HS), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: UofL wins; WKU, UK, Morehead St. lose; Murray St. sweeps double-header; EKU swept in twin bill

College Baseball

Jacob Rhodes; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • UALR scored six runs in the seventh and eight innings to break open a 2-2 tie and send Western Kentucky University to an 8-2 loss in game two of a three-game series. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds took the loss after surrendering four runs, two of which were earned, on three hits in two-third of an inning. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-5 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. The Hilltoppers wasted a strong start from freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman, who surrendered two runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville held West Virginia scoreless for the final eight innings of their Saturday game to earn an 8-2 win and even the series at one win each. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung earned the win after surrendering two runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Freshman catcher Jeff Gardner was 3-3 with one walk and two runs scored, and freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden was 2-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • South Carolina came from behind to send the University of Kentucky to a 4-3 loss in 10 innings. The Gamecocks scored the winning run in the tenth inning on a walkoff infield single that scored Adrian Morales, who had doubled on a misplayed fly ball. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott took the loss after surrendering one run one four hits in two innings. The run was the first earned run Gott had surrendered this season. Freshman center fielder Lucas Witt, junior left fielder Chad Wright and senior shortstop Taylor Black each had three hits for UK. The Cats wasted a strong start from freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell, who surrendered two runs on six hits in six innings in his first Southeastern Conference start. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University used a five-run second inning to earn a 6-3 win in game one of a double-header versus UT Martin. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in seven innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler were both 3-4 with one walk. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch recorded the final six outs for his fourth save. (Box Score)
  • The Breds finished the double-header sweep of UT Martin with a 12-4 win in game two. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering three runs on four hits in five innings. Rhodes was 4-4 with one double, one walk, three RBI and one run scored, and junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 4-5 with one double, one walk, three RBI and three runs scored. Redshirt freshman left fielder Ty Stetson scored four runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Southeast Missouri scored one run in the top of the ninth inning to send Eastern Kentucky University to a 7-6 loss in game one of a double-header. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering one run in one inning of relief. Sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps, senior center fielder Ryan Faidley and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman each had two hits in the game. Soloman slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • UT Martin finished the double-header sweep by sending EKU to a 13-6 loss in game two. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering three runs on eight hits in two and one-third innings. Senior designated hitter Jacob Daniel and freshman catcher Steve Ferraro were both 2-2 in the game. Soloman slugged his second home run of the day and drove in four runs, and Ferraro slugged his first career home run. (Box Score)
  • SIU Edwardsville scored two runs in the eighth inning to break open a 4-4 tie and send Morehead State University to a 6-4 loss in game two of a three-game series. Junior right-handed pitcher Matthew Robertson took the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in two and one-third innings. Senior left fielder Daniel Pugh was 2-4 with one run scored, and junior third baseman Andrew Deeds slugged his fourth home run of the season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: C Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 7-8, 1 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Chad Wright (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Steve Ferraro (EKU), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Corey Littrell (UK), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Jake Donze (Murray St.)

Tuesday roundup: UofL, WKU, UK win; OVC teams all lose

College Baseball

Corey Littrell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville’s offense busted out of its early season slump to tall 15 hits in an 11-2 win over Kent State. Junior second baseman Ryan Wright was 3-3 with two RBI, three runs scored and one walk, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 3-3 with one home run, three RBI, two runs scored and one walk. Sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames also homered in the game. Freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Thompson earned his first win after surrendering one unearned run in three innings. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University took the lead with three runs in third inning and added two insurance runs in the fourth inning to earn a 5-2 win over Austin Peay. Three WKU batters, junior shortstop Logan Robbins, senior third baseman Casey Dykes and sophomore catcher Ryan Huck, tallied two hits in the game. Dykes drove in three runs and Huck drove in two. Robbins and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson each scored two runs. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel earned the win after pitching three scoreless innings, and junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell picked up asave with a scoreless ninth inning. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky scored just two runs through seven innings but added two in the eighth inning to secure a 4-2 win over Cincinnati. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell earned his third win of the season after surrendering one run on eight hits in six innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle was 3-4 with a double and one run scored, and junior catcher Michael Williams was 3-4 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. Junior designated hitter and right-handed pitcher Braden Kapteyn came on with men on second and third with no outs in the ninth inning but struck out the side to earn his second save. (Box Score)
  • You can see the BluGrass Baseball recap of the Mid-Continent University 5-1 win over Murray State University here.
  • Eastern Kentucky University’s losing streak reached six games with a 6-3 loss to Miami (OH). Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris took the loss after surrendering three runs in one inning in his first start of the season. The Colonels used the midweek game to get its bullpen some work with nine different pitchers going one inning. Sophomore left fielder Austin Grisham and junior designated hitter Jacob Daniel were both 2-5 in the game. (Box Score)
  • If last week’s loss to Georgetown College wasn’t the low point of the 2011 season, Morehead State University hit that point Tuesday with a 32-17 loss to Canisius. Three different Eagles pitchers surrendered at least six runs in the game with the loss going to sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson, who surrendered seven runs on eight hits in two and two-third innings. Canisius tallied 28 hits and scored in every inning except the first and fourth. Three different Morehead St. batters had three hits in the game, led by Luke Bainer, who was 3-5 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: RF Luke Bainer (Morehead St.)

  • Stats: 3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Travis Redmon (Morehead St.), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), J. T. Riddle (UK), Michael Williams (UK), Casey Dykes (WKU)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Allen Hasse (Mid-Continent)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jeff Thompson (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Tyler Saltsman (Murray St.), Corey Littrell (UK), Taylor Haydel (WKU)

Jared Andreoli, Tanner Perkins, J T Riddle win week 5 awards

Uncategorized

Jared Andreoli bats against UK: BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly BluGrass Baseball awards. Check out the best of Kentucky Division one college baseball hitting, pitching and freshmen performances below:

Hitter of the week: OF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

  • Stats: 8-15 (.533), 2 HR, 7 R, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: J. T. Riddle (UK), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Cody Larson (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the week: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Meyer (UK), Justin Amlung (UofL), Derek Self (UofL), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Brian Edelen (WKU)

Freshman of the week: OF J. T. Riddle (UK)

  • Stats: 7-13 (.538), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Chittenden (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Wes Warren (Murray St.), Sean Hagen (EKU), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Ryan Conner (Morehead St.)

Wednesday Roundup: UofL, EKU, Morehead St. winless

College Baseball

Jacob Daniel; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday college baseball:

  • The University of Louisville dropped its second game in a row to Southern California with a 9-4 loss on Wednesday. Freshman right-handed pitcher Dace Kime took the loss after surrendering five runs on three hits in two innings while striking out one batter and walking four. The Cards did find some rare power with home runs from redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames and sophomore first baseman Zak Wasserman. The team had just three home runs entering the game with two of those belonging to preseason All-American Ryan Wright. Junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self kept the Cards in the game by surrendering one run in three innings of relief. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header Eastern Kentucky University surrendered seven runs in the first two innings and could not overcome the early deficit in an 8-5 loss to West Virginia. Senior left-handed pitcher Paul Duncan took the loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits in one and one-third innings. Sophomore first baseman Matt Phipps was the only Colonel batter to record multiple hits in the game, finishing 2-3 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored. Junior designated hitter Jacob Daniel slugged his fourth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • In game two EKU left nine men on base in an 11-2 loss to WVU. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering nine runs, seven of which were earned on eight hits in three and one-third innings. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez and sophomore outfielder Austin Grisham were both 2-5, and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman slugged his second home run of the season. Relievers Greg Terry, Matt Harris and Chris Hord each posted a scoreless inning for the Colonels. (Box Score)
  • You can see the BluGrass Baseball recap of the Morehead State University 5-3 loss to Georgetown Collegehere.

Hitter of the day: RF Tyler Fisher (Georgetown College)

  • Stats: 4-5, 2 2Bs, 3 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Travis McBride (Georgetown College)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Josh Schneider (Morehead St.), Derek Self (UofL), Alex Rexroat (EKU)

Georgetown College hands Morehead St. 15th loss of season

College Baseball

Tyler Fisher; Georgetown College photo

A dismal start to the 2011 season for Morehead State University may have reached its low point with a 5-3 loss Wednesday to Georgetown College of the NAIA. The loss dropped the Eagles to 2-15 on the season. Morehead St. redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Josh Schneider took the loss after surrendering four runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking none. Senior left fielder Daniel Pugh paced the Eagles’ offense with a 3-3 performance and two runs scored. Junior right fielder Luke Bainer was 3-4 with two RBI.

Georgetown junior right-handed pitcher Travis McBride earned the win after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on nine hits in seven innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Senior right fielder Tyler Fisher, who was the 2011 NYCBL MVP, was 4-5 with two doubles, three RBI and one run scored. Junior center fielder Chris Wood scored three runs for Georgetown. Tigers sophomore right-handed pitcher Chad Richie surrendered one hit in the ninth inning to earn the save. (Box Score)

BluGrass Baseball Preseason All-State Team

College Baseball

Matt Rice bats for WKU: BluGrass Baseball photo

With just two days remaining until the start of the 2011 college baseball season it’s time to unveil the 2011 preseason BluGrass Baseball All-State team. Eligible players either play for a Kentucky college or attended a Kentucky high school. Check out the team below, with short bios on the first-team players. Remember, we’ll update this team at midseason and after the regular season is over.

C — Matt Rice — Western Kentucky University

  • .369/.446/.585, 10 HR, 65 RBI, 51 R
  • Rice was the first-team catcher on the 2010 BluGrass Baseball postseason All-State Team and returns to WKU after declining to sign with the New York Yankees as the team’s 50th round draft pick this summer. Rice may have been Mr. Irrelevant in the draft after being selected with the last pick, but he’s far from irrelevant in Kentucky college baseball as he should be in the running all season for the player of the year award. Rice was named All-Sun Belt Conference following the 2010 season, and recently was named the preseason Sun Belt player of the year by Baseball America.
  • Second Team: J. J. Ethel (UofL) — .303/.384/.459, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R

1B — Rich Witten — Coastal Carolina (Danville High School)

  • 2010: .312/.393/.584, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 22 R
  • After spending most of 2010 as a key reserve for the Chanticleers before moving into the starting lineup as the everyday first baseman in time for postseason play. Witten is expected to begin 2011 as the NCAA-regional hopeful’s first baseman and hopes to build on his strong postseason play. Witten was named to the Myrtle Beach All-Regional team after batting .278 with a double, home run and 6 RBI in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. As a junior at Danville High School Witten slugged 25 home runs, the second most in a single season in KHSAA history.
  • Second Team: Zak Wasserman (UofL) — .324/.405/.419, 11 RBI, 9 R

2B — Ryan Wright — University of Louisville

  • 2010: .366/.413/.638, 16 HR, 80 RBI, 61 R
  • Junior infielder Ryan Wright has already been named a preseason all-American by three different outlets, including a second-team selection by Baseball America. Wright leads returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 RBI, runs scored and home runs and ranks second in 2010 batting average and slugging percentage. The second baseman spent the summer with Team USA, where he led everyday players with a .361 batting average and 18 runs scored. UofL head coach Dan McDonnell recently called Wright a “RBI mongrel,” noting the junior has 146 RBI in two seasons at UofL.
  • Second Team: Travis Redmon (Morehead St.) — .333/.411/.497, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 42 R

3B — Andrew Deeds — Morehead State University

  • 2010: .305/.356/.603, 13 HR, 39 RBI, 43 R
  • Junior infielder Andrew Deeds leads a weak crop of Kentucky third baseman returning from the 2010 season. Deeds ranks third among returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 home runs and slugging percentage. The Trinity High School alum finished the 2010 season on a 12-game hitting streak and tallied 12 multi-hit games on the year. In the Eagles’ series against in-state rival EKU, Deeds was 7-15 with four home runs and six RBI.
  • Second Team: Colton Moore (Murray St.) — .328/.383/.429, 1 HR, 39 RBI, 23 R

SS — Richie Rodriguez — Eastern Kentucky University

  • 2010: .357/.405/.496, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 55 R, 21 SB
  • Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez led the Colonels in batting average, stolen bases and hits in 2010. He ranks second in 2010 stolen bases and third in 2010 batting average and runs scored among returning Kentucky collegians. The Miami, Fla., native was named a Louisville Slugger freshman all-American following the 2009 season. Rodriguez started every game in 2010 at shortstop and the leadoff slot in the lineup for EKU. He tallied 24 multi-hit games in 2010 including five four-hit games.
  • Second team: Taylor Black (UK) — .270/.386/.489, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 44 R, 12 SB

OF — Stewart Ijames — University of Louisville

  • 2010: .324/.406/.570, 14 HR, 63 RBI, 47 R
  • Redshirt junior outfielder Stewart Ijames returns to Louisville after declining to sign with the New York Yankees as the team’s 29th round pick in the 2010 draft. Ijames was named second-team All-Big East and selected to the all-Big East Tournament Team following the 2010 season. He ranks third among returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 batting average and RBI and fifth in 2010 slugging percentage. Ijames was named a Ping! Baseball and Louisville Slugger freshman all-American in 2008 and missed the 2009 season with a shoulder injury.
  • Second Team: Ryan Faidley (EKU) — .324/.420/.605, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 44 R

OF — Kes Carter — Western Kentucky University

  • 2010: .341/.418/.484, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 40 R, 14 SB
  • Junior outfielder Kes Carter was named first-team all-Sun Belt following the 2010 season and returns to WKU hoping to improve his draft status. Carter ranks fourth among returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 on-base percentage and fifth in 2010 RBI and stolen bases. The outfielder recorded a 15-game hitting streak last season between April 6 and 25 and committed just one error in 2010. Carter was selected in the 43rd round of the 2008 draft by the Florida Marlins following his senior season in high school.
  • Second Team: Chad Wright (UK) — .316/.388/.413, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 36 R, 12 SB

OF — Jared Andreoli — Western Kentucky University

  • 2010: .341/.415/.484, 5 HR, 49 RBI, 61 R, 14 SB
  • Junior outfielder Jared Andreoli led the Hilltoppers with 32 multi-hit games in 2010 and tallied a 15-game hitting streak from March 12 to April 3. Among returning Kentucky collegians Andreoli ranks first in 2010 runs scored, fifth in stolen bases and fifth in on-base percentage. Andreoli ranked eight in runs scored in the Sun Belt Conference last season and fifth in triples. The outfielder leads returning Hilltoppers in total bases and tallied six sacrifice bunts last season.
  • Second Team: Daniel Pugh — .335/.438/.447, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 45 R

DH — Taylor Davis — Morehead State University

  • 2010: .350/.412/..596, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 40 R
  • Junior catcher Taylor Davis was named preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference after his strong 2010 season. Davis ranks fourth among returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 batting average and RBI and fifth in 2010 home runs. The junior started 36 games at catcher, six at designated hitter and three at third base for the Eagles in 2010. Davis tallied a 13-game hitting streak, 19 multi-hit games and 13-multi-RBI games last season. The catcher has been selected to play in the prestigious Cape Cod League during the summer of 2011.
  • Second team — Braden Kapteyn (UK) — .297/.403/.484, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 31 R

SP — Matt Koch — University of Louisville

  • 2010: 3-0, 3.27 ERA, 31 SO/9BB, 44 IP
  • Sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch did not qualify for the ERA title in 2010, but was outstanding after moving into the Cards’ weekend rotation during conference play. Koch appeared in 11 games for UofL in 2010, including six starts. He surrendered just one run in six innings in UofL’s win over Vanderbilt in the NCAA Regional, earning a spot on the all-regional team. Koch moved into the weekend rotation on April 30 against Rutgers and remained there for the rest of the season. He was the 37th round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 2009 draft out of high school.
  • Second Team: Anthony Bazzani (EKU) — 5-3, 5.47 ERA, 41 SO/30 BB, 77.1 IP

SP — Justin Amlung — University of Louisville

  • 2010: 5-2, 4.27 ERA, 55 SO/14 BB, 65.1 IP
  • Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung was named the 2010 freshman of the year and boasts the lowest qualifying 2010 ERA of any returning Kentucky pitcher. Amlung started 10 games for the Cards last season, beginning the year as a midweek starter before moving into the weekend rotation. He surrendered just three home runs in 65.1 innings pitched that season and begins the season as UofL’s Saturday starting pitcher.
  • Second team: Jordan Cooper (UK) — 4-5, 5.71 ERA, 35 SO/27 BB, 58.1 IP

SP — Alex Meyer — University of Kentucky

  • 2010: 5-3, 7.06 ERA, 63 SO/36 BB, 51 IP
  • Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer has struggled in two season on campus, but he begins 2011 in the same place he has the last two years as arguably the state’s most talented player. Baseball America recently ranked Meyer the No. 34 prospect in the 2011 draft and selected him to its preseason All-Southeastern Conference team. Meyer is 6-7 with a 6.34 ERA and 143 strikeouts in his UK career but should be a first-round pick in 2011 with a strong season.
  • Second Team: Jake Donze (Murray St.) 6-6, 6.02 ERA, 71 SO/56 BB, 83.2 IP

RP — Rye Davis — Western Kentucky University

  • 2010: 3-4, 2.72 ERA, 9 saves, 63 SO/20 BB, 49.2 IP
  • Relief pitcher might be the most hotly contested spot on the All-State team with redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Rye Davis and UofL top draft prospect Tony Zych. Davis was the 36th round pick of the Cleveland Indians during the summer of 2010 but returned to WKU in hopes of improving his draft status, that may have been hurt when he missed all of 2009 after being struck in the face by a line drive. Davis leads returning Kentucky collegians in 2010 appearances and ranks second in strikeouts and saves.
  • Second Team: Tony Zych — 5-2, 5.13 ERA, 1 save, 50 SO/11 BB, 61.2 IP

BluGrass Baseball Preseason Hitting Leaderboard

College Baseball

Throughout the college baseball season BluGrass Baseball publishes a weekly statistics leaderboard for Kentucky collegians. As part of the 2011 college baseball preview we’ll begin the weekly leaderboard series with a look at the top five returning players in each 2010 statistical category. To be eligible for the percentage categories (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage) a player must have at least 2.5 at-bats per team game.

Batting Categories

Batting Average

  • Matt Rice — WKU — .369
  • Ryan Wright — UofL — .366
  • Richie Rodriguez — EKU — .357
  • Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .350
  • Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — .347

Home Runs

  • Ryan Wright — UofL — 16
  • Cameron Flynn — UK — 15 *
  • Stewart Ijames — UofL — 14
  • Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — 13
  • Ryan Faidley — EKU — 12
  • Taylor Black — UK — 11
  • Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — 11

RBI

  • Ryan Wright — UofL — 80
  • Matt Rice — WKU — 65
  • Stewart Ijames — UofL — 63
  • Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — 57
  • Kes Carter — WKU — 53

Runs

  • Ryan Wright — UofL — 61
  • Jared Andreoli — WKU — 61
  • Richie Rodriguez — EKU — 55
  • Zach Noonan — Murray St. — 52
  • Matt Rice — WKU — 51

Stolen Bases

  • Neiko Johnson — UK — 24/25
  • Richie Rodriguez — EKU — 21/28
  • Logan Robbins — WKU — 18/20
  • Drew Haynes — UofL — 15/22
  • Kes Carter — WKU — 14/17
  • Jared Andreoli — WKU — 14/20

On-Base Percentage

  • Michael Fear — Morehead St. — .439
  • Daniel Pugh — Morehead St. — .438
  • Ryan Faidley — EKU — .420
  • Kes Carter — WKU — .418
  • Jared Andreoli — WKU — .415

Slugging Percentage

  • Cameron Flynn — UK — .658 *
  • Ryan Wright — UofL — .638
  • Ryan Faidley — EKU — .605
  • Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — .603
  • Matt Rice — WKU — .585
  • Stewart Ijames — UofL — .570

* — Cameron Flynn will sit out the 2011 season as a transfer from Morehead St. to UK.

2011 lineup projections: Morehead State University

College Baseball

Following the completion of the “offseason position battle” series we will post a lineup project for each of the five division one schools this week. The lineups are based on the position battle posts and are only a guess and what each Opening Day lineup might look like. We will also include weekend rotations, midweek starters and closers for good measure. We are working in reverse order of the 2010 records, begining the series with Morehead State University.

Lineup

  • C — Taylor Davis
  • 1B — Michael Fear
  • 2B — Travis Redmon
  • 3B — Andrew Deeds
  • SS — Austin Haney
  • LF — Daniel Pugh
  • CF — Luke Bainer
  • RF — Ryan Conner
  • DH — Bud Morton

Weekend rotation

  • RHP — Trey Smith
  • RHP — Josh Schneider
  • RHP — Cody Gibson

Midweek starters

  • LHP — Garrick Whittle
  • RHP — Matthew Robertson

Closer

  • LHP Matt Cartwright

*A previous version of  this post incorrectly to identified Ryan Conner as Eric Sanders. This post has also been amended to include information learned after its original publishing.

Offseason position battle: Morehead St. outfielder

College Baseball

In the second Morehead State University post in the “offseason position battle” series we will look at the vacant outfield position.

The departed — All-Ohio Valley Conference outfielder J. D. Ashbrook, a 2010 senior, led Morehead St. in batting (.432), home runs (18), runs scored (69), stolen bases (14), slugging percentage (.795) and on-base percentage (.540) in 2010. The right-handed hitter signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox after not being selected in the 2010 MLB draft. Ashbrook started all but one game in center field for the Eagles last season. His .540 on-base percentage led all Kentucky division one collegians in 2010. Outfielder Cameron Flynn, a 2010 sophomore who transferred following the 2010 season, was the only other Eagle to record a start in center field last season.

Returning candidates — Morehead St. senior Daniel Pugh and junior Luke Bainer return in 2011 after making the majority of the starts in left and right field respectively in 2010…Redshirt freshman outfielder Ryan Conner slugged three home runs during the fall Blood Bowl series after sitting out the 2010 season. Morehead St. coach Jason Neal said of Conner following the fall scrimmage series: “It seems that Ryan Conner has given us a big hit every time we have needed one this whole series. His home run in the seventh [inning of game four] to answer their run in the top of the inning was huge.”…Junior utility man Andrew Deeds made two starts in left field in 2010…Sophomore outfielder Winston Brodrick appeared in 15 games for Morehead St. in 2010, going 1-8 on the season. According to Brodrick’s MSU bio he batted a ridiculous .650 with 52 stolen bases as a senior in high school…Freshman outfielder Nick Duff also redshirted during the 2010 season.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman outfielder and left-handed pitcher Duran Elmore is the only new outfielder listed on the Morehead St. roster. Elmore comes to the Eagles after excelling as the primary center fielder for Danville High School. Elmore was honored with a Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association’s first-team all-state selection following his senior year. As a junior Elmore batted .408 with 46 stolen bases.

Wildcard — Conner was the standout among outfield candidates during the fall Blood Bowl series, so the real wild card in this race may come if head coach Jay Sorg decides to move one of the incumbent corner outfielders (Pugh and Bainer) to center and play Conner or another returner in left or right field. At 6-6 Conner may profile better defensively in a corner outfield role than the vacant center field position.